The declaration applies to "private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands in Union, Baker, Wallowa, and Umatilla counties, along with small portions of Malheur, Morrow, and Grant Counties within the Northeast Oregon Forest Protection District."

The district comprises more than 1.8 million acres.

So what does the fire season declaration mean?

First, burning permits are now required on all private forest and range lands.

Second, landowners who have burned slash piles in the spring or fall are encouraged to check that they are completely out and the heat is gone.

Third, logging and other industrial operations must meet requirements for fire prevention. Contact local ODF stewardship foresters for more information.

Fourth, campfires must be fully attended, and then fully extinguished before leaving them. Also, landowners must be contacted prior to starting any campfires.

For more information, local forestry offices can be reached at these phone numbers: